Today's tip: Try to round out "togetherness month" with some holiday shopping together, but be sure to spend plenty of time paying attention to each other and not just the shopping. Hold hands, sit down and have a cup of coffee or lunch and talk.

Remember: The gift of time and attention you give to each other is far greater than any gift you could possibly buy each other!

We had our first Book signing yesterday evening at a local bookstore. Didn't get a huge crowd, but those attending did seem to enjoy learning about how to use the book and calendar. They also had some great suggestions on how to make the most of "Togetherness Month" through various couple activities.

Also got some takers to participate in a new couples group we are forming here in the San Francisco East Bay, which will meet for the first time in January 2007. It is not a therapy group, but an attempt to bring couples together to discuss positive ways for couples to work on their relationships, share ideas, and to offer peer role modeling. Also may be the beginnings of a socializing group. If interested, shoot us an email at info@beabetterpartner.com.

Here's our latest spoof video... "I got YouTube Babe!"

For folks who haven't yet seen the calendar, here it is...







And here's the book...

Communication is hard...but sometimes ya just gotta take a risk and do it!

Today I told Debbie something that was bothering me, right after it was in fact bothering me, instead of holding it in or acting it out passively in some other negative way. Long story short...we both felt better as a result.

I just saw this quote, too, which speaks far more eloquently than I can about the importance of such seemingly trivial acts:

"All my life has been a preparation for this moment, for which no preparation was needed. I reach within for that unique gift which I have to offer my world. With the skills that I have honed, I shape it and polish it and call it my best. All this is but wrapping paper, for the heart of the gift is my heart, it has always been with me, and now I offer it to you."

-Paul

Our friend Paul Johnson of Save the Relationship was interviewed on the Tom Leykis show out of LA last night. The topic of the show was "Is marriage necessary". Of course the answer is that marriage is necessary for those who want and are ready for marriage. Unfortunately, Tom's premise (and the way that he attracts listeners) is by appearing to be an unapolagetic misogynist so the callers he lined up were men like himself who hate women or see them as possessions. Sad that someone can actually make a living and a reputation off of shooting for the lowest common denominator when it comes to relationships.

Another reason why Be A Better Partner was created...to take the high road and focus on the positive benefits and possibilities of relationships and marriage. Maybe Lambs on Love will have their own radio show someday - and have a platform from which to speak about healthy and happy relationships and why they are so important for men, women, and their families.